Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat confirmed that the recent spike in local tomato prices following Ramadan is linked to a decrease in supply relative to daily demand. He expects the situation to improve in the coming days as production increases.
اضافة اعلان
Khraisat stated, "The market's daily need for tomatoes is approximately 500 tons, while current available quantities do not exceed 480 tons," leading to a temporary price hike.
In a radio interview on Thursday morning, the Minister noted that the ministry had observed some retailers raising prices unjustifiably. He emphasized that a "reasonable price" for tomatoes ranges between 80 piasters and 1.00 JOD, despite some limited cases where prices reached 1.25 JOD.
The Minister pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture possesses tools to monitor prices and quantities by tracking Central Market data daily, which clearly shows the volume of incoming produce and trading prices.
Khraisat predicted that the markets would see a production surplus in the coming days, leading to lower and more stable prices.
Additionally, the Minister announced a temporary suspension of tomato exports aimed at boosting local market supplies and controlling prices.
"In the event of exaggerated prices for fruits and vegetables, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will intervene in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture," Khraisat said. He added that starting today, prices and quantities will be published in a guidance bulletin on the Ministry's official website.
He concluded by assuring the public that there is "no need for panic buying," stressing that Jordan's agricultural stock and products are secure and that the current circumstances will pass safely.
